Full disclosure of energy efficiency in commercial office space commences

Full disclosure arrangements for large commercial office buildings under the Commercial Building Disclosure Program apply from 1 November 2011.  The full roll out of the Program ensures energy efficiency ratings for commercial office space over 2,000 square metres are disclosed to potential buyers and lessees.

To assist businesses in moving towards the full roll-out of the program a transition period was in place for the previous 12 months.

The disclosure of a full Building Energy Efficiency Certificate (BEEC) is a requirement under the Program.  A BEEC is comprised of:

• A rating under the National Australian Built Environment Rating Scheme (NABERS)
• A Tenancy Lighting Energy Efficiency Assessment; and
• Guidance on how the building’s energy efficiency may be improved.

The lighting assessment must be carried out by an assessor accredited under the Program.  The Assessment produces a measure of Nominal Lighting Power Density which provides a rating in watts per square metre of assessed space.

Exemption provisions apply when an energy efficiency rating cannot be assigned because of the characteristics of the office or where a building is used for police or security operations.

If you have any questions regarding whether the sale or lease of your office building requires a BEEC please call the toll-free line on 1800 020 131 or email info@cbd.gov.au